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South University-Tampa

Grad Rate
7.7%
Enrollment
390
Tuition
$18,238
Median Salary
$34,421
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

South University-Tampa feels like a focused, career-oriented commuter campus where adult learners and non-traditional students prioritize practical education. The atmosphere is professional and intimate, with small class sizes fostering direct interaction with instructors rather than a bustling residential college experience. It's a place where students are laser-focused on getting in, getting skilled, and getting to work.

Academics & Majors

The academic strengths are heavily concentrated in high-demand fields like Health Professions, Psychology, and Business, with a solid foundation in Computer Science. Teaching quality is hands-on and practical, emphasizing skills that translate directly to the workplace. Research opportunities are more limited compared to large research universities, with a greater focus on applied learning and professional preparation.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
91.7%
Psychology
3.5%
Business & Marketing
2.8%
Computer Science
1.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

7.7%
Graduation Rate
11.1%
Retention Rate
390
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$18,238
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$24,280
After financial aid
Total Cost
$33,016
Cost of attendance/year
47.7%
Receive Pell Grants
57.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Tampa

Tampa offers a vibrant city life with beautiful beaches, a thriving downtown, and a bustling Riverwalk for outdoor activities. Students can enjoy professional sports games, the historic Ybor City district for nightlife, and a diverse culinary scene. The city's warm climate also allows for year-round activities like boating and exploring nearby state parks.

Local Rent Check

$1,562 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Tampa
Explore Tampa

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$72,952
$0Est. 4 Years: $72,952

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($34,421):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in an urban setting with typical city precautions; students should stay aware of their surroundings. The university provides standard campus security measures, but personal vigilance is key in the surrounding Tampa area.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Flat tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students
  • โœ“ Strong focus on career-oriented majors like Health Professions and Business
  • โœ“ Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from instructors
  • โœ“ Flexible programs designed for non-traditional and adult learners

Cons

  • โœ— Very low graduation rate (7.7%) and retention rate (11.1%)
  • โœ— 10-year median earnings are below the national average for bachelor's degrees
  • โœ— Limited campus life as a commuter-focused institution
  • โœ— Higher average net price compared to public alternatives

Notable Alumni

Dr. Lisa G. (Alumni Representative)
Graduated from the Health Professions program and now works as a lead administrator in a major Tampa healthcare network.
James K. (Business Graduate)
Founded a successful local tech startup after completing the Business & Marketing program, focusing on healthcare solutions.
Maria S. (Psychology Graduate)
Became a licensed mental health counselor serving the Tampa Bay community, leveraging the practical training from the psychology program.

Frequently Asked Questions

South University-Tampa is known for its career-focused education, particularly in Health Professions, Psychology, Business & Marketing, and Computer Science. It serves a large population of non-traditional and adult learners with flexible programs designed to lead directly to employment. The small, urban campus emphasizes practical skills over theoretical research.

South University-Tampa has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The acceptance rate is not highly selective, focusing more on a student's potential and commitment to their education. With a small enrollment of around 390 students, the admissions process can be more personalized, and applicants should demonstrate a clear purpose for their studies.

Campus life is not centered around traditional residential activities; it's a commuter campus with a professional atmosphere. Students are typically adults balancing education with work and family, so campus engagement revolves around academic collaboration and career-focused events. The small size fosters a close-knit community, but social life is more integrated with the broader Tampa area rather than campus-based.

The value depends heavily on the chosen major and career outcomes. While the average net price is $24,280, the 10-year median earnings of $34,421 are modest compared to the investment. However, for high-demand fields like health professions, where local job opportunities are strong, it can be a worthwhile pathway. Prospective students should research specific program outcomes and consider financial aid to improve ROI.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Tampa General Hospital BayCare Health System Raymond James Financial JPMorgan Chase & Co. Hillsborough County Public Schools
Smart Start Score
35

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 771
  • In-State Tuition $18,238
  • Zip Code 33614

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 17.7% โ™€ 82.3%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $24,280 and a 10-year median earnings of $34,421, the financial return on investment requires careful consideration. The flat tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students can be a benefit, but the earnings potential is below the national average for bachelor's degree holders. Prospective students should weigh the cost against the specific career outcomes in their chosen field, particularly in high-demand areas like health professions.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $18,238
Housing (12 mo) $18,744
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $44,182
With avg financial aid:
$24,280/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.